Finalgon® Cream

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Finalgon Cream. It does not contain all available information, nor does it take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

This leaflet was last updated on the date at the end of this leaflet. More recent information may be available. The latest Consumer Medicine Information is available from your pharmacist, doctor, or from www.medicines.org.au and may contain important information about the medicine and its use of which you should be aware.

Keep this information with your Finalgon Cream. You may need to read it again.

To find out more about Finalgon Cream

You should ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about Finalgon Cream or if you have any trouble before, during or after using Finalgon Cream.

What Finalgon Cream is used for

Finalgon Cream is used for the temporary relief of pain of rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago, muscular aches, sprains and strains, sporting injuries and other conditions where local warmth is beneficial.

Finalgon Cream works by increasing blood circulation to the area of application, hence promoting localised warmth and heat to relieve pain.

The warming reaction to Finalgon Cream occurs within a few minutes after application and reaches its peak within 20-30 minutes.

Before you use Finalgon Cream

When you must not use Finalgon Cream

Do not use Finalgon Cream if you are allergic to nonivamide, butoxyethyl nicotinate or any of the other ingredients in Finalgon Cream.

All the ingredients of Finalgon Cream are listed in section Ingredients.

You must not apply Finalgon Cream to:

very sensitive skin;

any broken skin surface;

inflamed skin;

when skin disease is present.

You should not use Finalgon Cream after the EXPIRY DATE on the tube or carton.

Before you start to use Finalgon Cream

You should not take a hot bath or shower before using Finalgon.

Finalgon Cream generates a lot of heat. Patients, particularly with sensitive skin, may experience severe heat if Finalgon Cream is applied to a "warmed up" body.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Ask for your doctor's advice if you are pregnant, or likely to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding during your course of medication.

Finalgon Cream should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Children

Finalgon Cream is not recommended for use on children. For further advice check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Using Finalgon Cream

How to use Finalgon Cream

Follow the directions below for using Finalgon Cream:

Pierce the aluminium seal with the spike of the screw cap.

Finalgon Cream can be applied with your hands. However, if you prefer, a cloth or paper towels may be used.

Always test your personal reaction to the cream on a small area of your skin before use.

Some people may experience more heat from using Finalgon Cream than others.

Apply a very small amount of Finalgon Cream to your skin to test your own reaction to Finalgon Cream.

Wait for at least 5 minutes before using more Finalgon Cream to treat the affected area.

Once you know your own reaction to Finalgon Cream, smear Finalgon Cream thinly on to the skin over the affected area.

DO NOT RUB IN.

Excessive use or rubbing of Finalgon Cream may cause blisters of the skin. If you do, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

IMMEDIATELY wash your hands in soap and cold water after use.

If you rub in Finalgon Cream and experience severe heat or pain, follow the directions in section If you have used too much Finalgon Cream.

You will find that the warmth or heat provided persists for up to 6 hours. Covering the affected part increases the warmth produced. Often, as much as 12 hours later, a hot shower or bath will regenerate the warmth.

Do not apply to face, eyes or mouth. Keep away from other sensitive parts of your body.

If Finalgon Cream comes in contact with the face, eyes or mouth, you may feel temporary face swelling, facial pain, irritation of eye conjunctiva, redness of eye, eye burning, visual disturbance, mouth discomfort and sore mouth. If Finalgon Cream comes in contact with other sensitive areas, you may feel an uncomfortable burning sensation.

If you experience severe heat or pain, then follow the directions in section - If you have used too much Finalgon Cream.

If contact is with eyes, ask for medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

If you have used a cloth or paper towels to apply Finalgon Cream, then dispose of these items in the garbage after use.

How much Finalgon Cream to use

Use not more than 5mm for an area the size of your hand. You may need to adjust this amount, depending on your personal reaction to Finalgon Cream.

If you have used too much Finalgon Cream

Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) if you think you or anyone else may have used too much Finalgon Cream.

Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

If you have applied too much Finalgon Cream, wipe the excess off with cotton wool soaked with a cooking oil (eg. olive oil, peanut oil) or margarine.

Do not wash the affected area with water, as this may spread the cream.

If you experience severe heat or pain, apply ice packs or local anaesthetics to relieve the symptoms.

Ask for medical advice if symptoms persist.

Advice can be provided by a doctor or pharmacist.

While you are using Finalgon Cream

Things to be careful of

The extent and duration of Finalgon Cream's effect can be increased by extra heat, such as a hot bath, warm bed, hot water bottle or exercise, either before or after using Finalgon.

You should not take a hot bath or shower after using Finalgon.

Effects on Ability to Drive or Operate Machinery

There are no studies on the effects of Finalgon Cream on the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Side effects

You should be aware that all medicines carry some risks and that all possible risks may not be known at this stage despite thorough testing.

Ask for the advice of your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about the effects of using Finalgon Cream.

Finalgon Cream may cause the following side effects:

intense local heat

redness of skin

skin burning sensation

tingling sensation

cough

difficulty breathing

blistering

local skin reaction

itching of skin

rashes

swelling of face

hives (urticaria)

pustules at the site of application

Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions to Finalgon Cream have been reported. These reactions include symptoms such as swelling of the face and localised skin reactions - tingling, rashes, pain or blistering.

If the above occurs, you should:

wipe the cream off with cotton wool soaked with a cooking oil (eg. olive oil, peanut oil) or margarine.

apply ice packs or local anaesthetics to relieve symptoms.

do not re-apply Finalgon Cream

ask for medical advice if symptoms persist. Advice can be provided by a doctor or pharmacist.

Do not wash the affected area with water, as this may spread the cream.

Finalgon Cream may also cause sudden life-threatening allergic (anaphylactic) reactions. These reactions include symptoms such as wheezing, swelling of the lips/mouth, difficulty in breathing, hayfever, lumpy rash (hives) or fainting.

If these occur, seek medical attention immediately.

After using Finalgon Cream

Storage

Finalgon Cream should be kept in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Do not store in direct sunlight or heat. For example, do not leave it in the car on hot days.

Keep your Finalgon Cream where children cannot reach it.

Disposal

Unused Finalgon Cream should be returned to your pharmacist so that it can be disposed of safely.

Product Description

What is Finalgon Cream

Finalgon is the brand name of your medicine. It is available in a cream base (Finalgon Cream).

Finalgon Cream is identified by the Australian Registration Number, AUST R 49505 and this appears on the pack. Finalgon Cream is available from your local chemist without prescription.

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